HIV epidemiology and responses among men who have sex with men and transgender individuals in China: a scoping review
Open Access
- 20 October 2016
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in BMC Infectious Diseases
- Vol. 16 (1), 1-8
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-016-1904-5
Abstract
Despite global efforts to control HIV among key populations, new infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) individuals are still increasing. The increasing HIV epidemic among MSM/TG in China indicates that more effective services are urgently needed. However, policymakers and program managers must have a clear understanding of MSM/TG sexual health in China to improve service delivery. To meet this need, we undertook a scoping review to summarize HIV epidemiology and responses among MSM and TG individuals in China. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for recent studies on MSM/TG HIV epidemiology and responses. We also included supplemental articles, grey literature, government reports, policy documents, and best practice guidelines. Overall, HIV prevalence among Chinese MSM was approximately 8 % in 2015 with a higher prevalence observed in Southwest China. TG are not captured in national HIV, STD, or other sexual health surveillance systems. There is limited data sharing between the public health authorities and community-based organizations (CBOs). Like other low and middle income countries, China is challenged by low rates of HIV testing, linkage, and retention. Several pilot interventions have been shown to be effective to increase HIV testing among MSM and TG individuals, but have not been widely scaled up. Data from two randomized controlled trials suggests that crowdsourcing contests can increase HIV testing, creating demand for services while engaging communities. Improving HIV surveillance and expanding HIV interventions for Chinese MSM and TG individuals are essential. Further implementation research is needed to ensure high-quality HIV services for MSM and TG individuals in China.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1R01AI114310-01)
- Fogarty International Center (1D43TW009532-01)
- WHO-CHINA office
This publication has 60 references indexed in Scilit:
- Awareness of and Willingness to Use Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention among HIV-Serodiscordant Heterosexual Couples: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Xinjiang, ChinaPLOS ONE, 2013
- Distributions and trends in sexual behaviors and HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in ChinaBMC Public Health, 2012
- Social Entrepreneurship for Sexual Health (SESH): A New Approach for Enabling Delivery of Sexual Health Services among Most-at-Risk PopulationsPLoS Medicine, 2012
- Cognitive, Psychosocial, and Sociodemographic Predictors of Willingness to Use HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with MenAIDS and Behavior, 2012
- Willingness to Accept HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with MenPLOS ONE, 2012
- Patterns and levels of illicit drug use among men who have sex with men in AsiaDrug and Alcohol Dependence, 2012
- What is the potential for bisexual men in China to act as a bridge of HIV transmission to the female population? Behavioural evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysisBMC Infectious Diseases, 2011
- Effect of earlier initiation of antiretroviral treatment and increased treatment coverage on HIV-related mortality in China: a national observational cohort studyThe Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2011
- Linkage and Retention in HIV Care among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United StatesClinical Infectious Diseases, 2011
- Tip of the Iceberg: Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, the Internet, and HIV RiskAmerican Journal of Public Health, 2007